Nehemiah 8:13

And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.

Ver. 13. And on the second day] The next day after they had heard the law expounded, but were not so well satisfied in some points or cases: they "follow on to know the Lord," Hosea 6:3. Divine knowledge is as a great lady, that will not easily be acquainted with us but upon further suit, Proverbs 2:3,4 .

Were gathered together the chief of the fathers, &c.] Aeneas Sylvius was wont to say of knowledge, Popular men should esteem it as silver, noblemen as gold, princes prize it as pearls.

The priests, and Levites] These teachers of others took no scorn to learn from Ezra, that perfect scribe. The wisest here know but in part; because we prophesy but in part, 1 Corinthians 13:9; that is, we are taught but imperfectly, and those that should show us the way are themselves to seek; to teach us to run to Ithiel, the arch-prophet, as that great wise man did, Proverbs 30:1. The greatest part of those things which we know is the least part of the things which we know not, as that father saith.

Unto Ezra the scribe] Who was well instructed to the kingdom of God; and no less ready to throw out of his treasury, &c., Matthew 13:52. It is said of Tacitus, that he knew all that he should know of the affairs of the world; and that he was primus in Historia; first in history, and that ex eius ore nil temere excidit he cut up nothing rashly from his mouth. (Scalig.). Think the same of Ezra, and much more; he was an able teacher of the ablest teachers, a sacred oracle, a living library, the argutest and accuratest of men after the prophets; as Austin is said to have been after the apostles, in contemplation and disputation.

Even to understand the words of the law] Which he had the day before expounded; and in some passages whereof they had a desire to be better resolved and satisfied. No man can possibly speak all at once, or deliver the mind of God so clearly and fully, but that there may be place left for cases and queries.